Stress

Stress is at the base of many health conditions. 

To support a healthy body and your well-being, we approach stress management in any consultation in Paz By Nature Clinic. 

We offer specific advice about Anxiety, Sleep problems, Headaches, and more.

A 2018 UK-wide stress survey has found that almost three-quarters of adults (74%) have at some point over the past year felt so stressed they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.^[1] 

Each of us has an internal self-defence system, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response.

The response is supposed to kick in when you encounter an immediate physical threat and turn off when the danger passes. ^[2]

When your body senses danger, it triggers a stress response that starts in your brain’s hypothalamus gland. That, in turn, sends signals to the adrenals (two kidney-shaped glands that sit on top of the kidneys) to release stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. 

These cause a rise of the blood pressure and give your body a hit of glucose so you can outrun or wrestle the immediate danger. 

However, if the stress occurs during a long period that the body is in fight-or flight-mode leads to health problems.

What causes stress?^[3]

• being under a lot of pressure regularly 
• facing big changes
• worrying about something
• not having much or any control over the outcome of a situation
• having responsibilities that you’re finding overwhelming
• not having enough work, activities or change in your life
• times of uncertainty

Prolonged stress sets your body in a continuous state readiness for action. 

When the body has no time to regain balance, it becomes exhausted, and the immune system weakens and becomes more susceptible to sickness. 

Many fundamental bodily processes are disrupted, and your risk of health problems increases.

Some common effects include:

• memory impairment
• depression
• skin conditions, such as eczema
• difficulty sleeping
• obesity
• heart disease
• digestive problems
• autoimmune diseases

If you’re suffering from stress, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause.

How to relax?

Mindfulness, breathing and stretching techniques could offer potential improvement. ^[4]

A healthy diet and herbal medicine can help counter the impact of stress, supporting the immune system and lowering blood pressure.

With proper nutrition, you can feel better prepared to handle the challenges of the day.

Stress itself can cause bad digestion.

Certain foods increase the physical stress on your body by making digestion more difficult, or by denying the essential nutrients for the brain.